NBA Rumors: FSG Hasn't Shown Interest in Buying Celtics 'to This Point' amid Sale
September 27, 2024
Fenway Sports Group has not made any overtures regarding a purchase of the Boston Celtics, per Rob Bradford of WEEI 93.7 FM.
The sports holding conglomerate, whose principal owner is John W. Henry, includes ownership of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
On July 1, Boston Basketball Partners LLC announced its intentions to sell all the shares of the team by 2028.
Forbes' valuation of the Boston Celtics sat at $4.7 billion in October 2023. Sportico has the C's with a $5.12 billion valuation as of December 2023.
The team has since enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, winning 80 games (including playoffs) en route to the franchise's 18th title.
The four-member ownership group, which is led by Wyc Grousbeck, bought the team in 2002 for $360 million. It's about to cash in for a lot more than that in a few years, obviously.
As for who may buy the team, it's unclear at this time. Rumors began regarding the potential of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos purchasing the team, but that was turned down by Nick Wingfield of The Information.
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported the Celtics have "remained private on potential buyers." However, he noted that there is a "groundswell of support for minority owner Steve Pagliuca, who is expected to form a group to make an offer."
We'll see how things shake out soon enough. As it stands, the ownership group still intends to share a majority interest of the team "in 2024 or early 2025," although Wyc Grousbeck would remain the Celtics' governor until a second closing in 2028.